Hearing not only occurs with the ears but also with the brain. Therefore, it is no surprise that hearing loss can impact a lot of aspects of our mental and physical health and vice versa. Recent studies have suggested that there is a relationship between our hearing and quality of sleep!
What role does sleep play in our hearing health?
As you may already be aware, we don’t only sleep in order to rest up for the day ahead. The hours we spend with our eyes shut are also an opportunity for our body to regenerate and heal any injuries as well as maintain other vital systems.
Amongst the areas of our body that require restoration during sleep is the brain – many of us have experienced how difficult it is to stay alert and focused when we are sleep deprived. However, research points towards the temporal lobe in particular – one of the areas responsible for comprehending sound as language – as being affected by sleep deprivation.
When a person is sleep deprived, activity in this part of the brain is markedly lower than in those who are well rested. This can potentially result in hindering the temporal lobe from optimal functioning, requiring more effort for people with untreated hearing loss who lip read.
To try and optimize your sleep routine, you should aim to stick to a consistent bed time, trying to achieve the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
However, even if you are sleeping well and you find you are having difficulties with your hearing, it could be time to talk to a professional. Call Clear Sound Audiology for a comprehensive hearing healthcare evaluation.
